If the benefits at your company are lame, I’ve got a list of places to apply...

How does unlimited vacation time or free tuition grab you?

Those are some of the amazing benefits you're missing out on if you don’t work for one of these companies:

• Red Frog Events offers unlimited vacation at any time as long as you’re getting your work done.

• Shell Oil and Mercedes Benz provide a consierge service to employees that helps with everything from booking a vacation to making dinner reservations to picking up dry cleaning.

• Qwiki, the tech company, has a green policy that will buy you a new bike.

• Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly gives pregnant women a paid month off BEFORE the baby is born.

• At consulting firm Deloitte, new moms can opt to work from home or take advantage of flex hours.

• Qualcom’s San Diego headquarters has an on-site fitness facility, medical and dental clinics and a farmer’s market.

• Smucker’s will help you avoid a tuition jam by reimbursing you – 100%.

There’s probably something in your pantry that you NEED to get rid of...

Have you got any canned tomatoes hanging around?

Those really need to go, according to Jared Koch, founder of Clean Plates. They are on his list of foods we shouldn’t be eating. He says all canned vegetables contain the harmful chemical BPA – but it’s especially concerning in tomatoes. Their acidity encourages the BPA to cling on. We’re better off with tomatoes in a jar, cardboard box or fresh. Here are some other foods we should cross off the shopping list:

• Deli meats: They’re poor quality, packed with sodium and made from animals raised on hormones and antibiotics.

• Margarine: That’s filled with trans-fat. Koch says it’s one of the worst products in our food supply. Butter is better.

• Microwave popcorn: The lining of the bag is toxic. Pop your corn on the stove top instead.

• Non-organic potatoes: Because they’re a root vegetable, they soak up even more of the pesticides and fungicides than other produce.

Some people enjoy flushing money down the toilet...

If you’re running out of ways to spend all of that money – how about flushing some down the toilet? 

Renovo, makers of high-end toilet paper, are rolling out some ultra-luxurious options. It’s made of 100% virgin pulp, for ultimate softness, and feels a lot better than those scratchy bills. It comes in an array of designer colors. Imagine the look on your family’s faces when they reach for that ruby red TP. It also comes in neon green, deep orange, Tiffany blue, fuchsia and black. A 3-pack is just $20 and it’s already being used in some upscale restaurants and hotels across the U.S.

Lock up your pets – it’s Super Bowl Sunday!

If you’ve got a crowd coming over this Sunday to watch the game, you might want to take some precautions for your pet...

Here are some tips on having a pet-friendly party:

• If your pet is not particularly into football – or your drunk friends, consider designating a safe spot for them to take refuge. Strangers and loud, obnoxious environments can be especially frightening for an animal, especially if they aren’t particularly social.

• Watch the food. The coffee table may be convenient but why tempt fate or torture your dog with all of those goodies at nose level.

• If you’re tempted to let your pet join in, keep in mind that most party food can be especially dangerous. Wings with small bones are definitely a don’t, as are chips and dips. Too much salt or onion can be toxic to a dog.

• Raise a glass – and keep beer and other drinks out of the licking zone. Dogs LOVE beer and it’s really bad for them.

• Skip the foam fingers. A lot of cheering accessories will look like tempting toys to your pet. If chewed and swallowed, your pet could be seriously sidelined.

How many steps do you take each day? The good, the bad and the average...

How many steps do you think you've taken so far today?

Every step counts, from the first step out of bed to the last step back in. Your goal should be 10,000. It sounds like a lot but most of us are more than capable. The average person already takes 4,000 to 6,000 every day, without even thinking about it. However, if you work at a desk and sit there all day, that total could be as low as 2,000.

Just by making a few adjustments, you can get your count up to where it should be. You already know the routine: Park far away from the door, take the stairs, walk anywhere you can. If you invest in a pedometer, you’ll likely be more motivated to take a few more steps each day to beat yesterday’s total and improve your overall well-being.

If someone in your household has been sick – get some mouthwash...

It’s not easy killing germs when someone in your house is sick...

Even if you’re all washing your hands and sanitizing surfaces, those germs could be swirling around in your washing machine. When it comes time to wash the patient’s germy sheets and pajamas, consider adding a cup of antiseptic mouthwash. It will kill the bacteria and is gentler on clothes and more versatile than straight bleach.

Mouthwash is also handy for a load of extra stinky clothes. It kills odor-causing bacteria, unlike regular laundry detergent which just masks the smell with perfume.

Are men bigger babies than women when they’re sick?

If you think most men are big babies when they’re sick – you might be right...

But now they have a scientific excuse. A recent study found that men tend to get hit a bit harder than women when the flu or another ailment strikes. If a fever is involved, men run a bit hotter and their illness will probably last a little longer. 

The man-flu phenomenon is not exclusive to humans. Dr. Oliver Restif, author of the study, explains that males tend to be the weaker sex across the range of animal species when they’re sick. He said that maintaining the ability to mate is more important to males than getting better, which lowers the chance of rapid recovery. For females, it’s the other way around.

Your breakfast could be missing a key ingredient...

Did you have any vegetables for breakfast?

Most of us don’t associate those with our morning meals but it’s easier than you think to work some in. Brierley Wright, registered dietitian  says adding cucumbers and tomatoes to that bagel with cream cheese can help get your day off to a healthier start. Scrambled eggs and omelets are the perfect venue for some other veggies such as onions, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach. The combination of produce and protein will keep hunger at bay the healthy way.

If you’d like to get more done at work today – don’t go to work. Where to go instead...

If you’re stopping for coffee on your way to work, why not stay a while?

According to entrepreneur Wesley Verhoeve, there are some real benefits to working somewhere other than your office. He discovered this phenomenon while his company was switching office space. When they were forced to work outside of their usual environment, they wound up getting even more done. After they moved into their new space, they agreed to keep a few coffee shop days on the schedule each month.

Wesley explains that a change of environment stimulates creativity. Even in a busy coffee shop, we’re less likely to be distracted or interrupted with work-related questions. If you’d like to give Wesley’s coffee shop days a try, he suggests switching up coffee shops to avoid routine. He also says the best coffee shop work stations will be away from the door, cash register and outlets. You'll be foced to work faster and more efficiently if you don't plug in.

Do you get all of your prescriptions at the drive-thru? That's a bad idea...

Drive-thru pharmacies are convenient – but you’re really better off going inside...

A recent analysis from Ohio State University College of Pharmacy found that the distractions associated with window service may increase the risk of a prescription error. You could also miss out on some important information at the drive-thru window. By making the trip inside you’ll be able to talk to a pharmacist about side effects, interactions and additional recommendations.

Gluten has been getting a lot of bad press. So does it deserve it?

Just because Gwyneth Paltrow and Lady Gaga don’t like gluten doesn’t necessarily mean you should kick it to the curb...

While it’s true that 7% of people in the United States have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the rest of us may have something to gain from gluten – less weight. 

According to Bonnie Taub-Dix, author of “Read It Before You Eat It,” shunning foods with gluten, such as pasta and whole grains, could lead to weight gain. These foods boost our sense of satisfaction and eliminating them from your diet often leads to more hunger and unnecessary snacking.

“What superhero would you be?” is out. “What’s your favorite song?” is in. The top oddball interview questions for 2013...

Hiring managers are dreaming up new gotcha questions all the time...

GlassDoor.com has compiled some favorite oddball interview questions being asked by some big companies in 2013:

• Which U.S. state would you get rid of and why? (Forrester)

• How many cows are in Canada? (Google)

• What song best describes your work ethic? (Dell)

• What do you think about when you’re alone in the car? (Gallup)

• Name three previous Nobel Prize winners. (BenefitsCONNECT)

• Have you ever stolen a pen from work? (Jiffy Software)

• If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us? (Trader Joes)

• What’s your favorite song? Perform it for us now. (LivingSocial)

• Pick two celebrities to be your parents. (Urban Outfitters)

• On a scale of 1 to 10, rate me as an interviewer. (Kraft Food)

Where is the smartest spot on your body?

If you need to get smart and think fast in a hurry – press your smart button...

We’ve all got one and it’s right under your nose. The philtrum is that indented area right above your upper lip. It’s a favorite spot for smarts in traditional Chinese medicine. By pressing your philtrum with your index finger for 30 seconds, you’ll increase focus, clarity and thought by stimulating the nerves which carry signals to the brain. 

The philtrum is also the go-to spot in acupressure for relieving leg cramps, toothaches and can even help stop the hiccups for some people.

Don’t answer that phone – it could be the flu calling...

If you’re still worried about catching the flu – don’t pick up that phone...

Geeta Nayyer, AT&T’s chief medical officer, says filthy phones are adding to the record outbreak this season. We take them everywhere we go, to the gym, the office and even into the bathroom – but when is the last time you really cleaned your phone? We should be doing so about once a week, more often during cold and flu season or if you share your device with your kids.

To clean your phone, or any electronic device, you’ll need some disinfectant. There are some gadget wipes on the market or you can make your own with some rubbing alcohol or antimicrobial spray. Just be sure not to spray any solution directly onto your device. Dampen a soft cloth with it and gently wipe away the germs.

And in the starting lineup in this Sunday will be Eli, Agatha, Bessie and Gunther...

It’s the big day fans wait for all year long – and we’re not talking football...

Puppy Bowl IX has become a favorite alternate for non-football fans. For those who prefer warm and fuzzy cuteness to brute force, you’re in for a real treat. The competition will be furry and fierce and you’ll be able to catch all the adorable action on the brand new Ultra Slo-Mo Cute Cam. The hedgehog cheerleaders will be on hand and the halftime show will be all about kitties. Puppy Bowl IX starts at 3 this Sunday on Animal Planet, just in case someone in your house plans on watching the other Bowl. 

Girls love gadgets just as much as guys. Here are some just for us!

Your purse is ringing – but you can’t find your phone!

Thanks to some new feminine technology, women won’t have to lose calls in the bottom of their bag anymore. This gadget is called the Trellie. It’s cute and shiny and clips onto the outside of handbag. This bluetooth gem lights up for an incoming call and blinks if you miss it. No more excuses for the 80% of women who carry their phone in their purse and can’t hear it ring or feel it vibrate. The Trellie should be on the market this spring and sell for about $50.

Can’t find your charger either? Problem solved. The Everpurse will charge it for you. This fashionable clutch has hidden technology in the lining that will charge your phone just by dropping it in there. It will be available this spring in several fashionable fabrics and colors.

For women with long nails and a touchscreen – you won’t have to use your knuckles anymore. Just slip into your Nano Nail. It’s an artificial conductive fingernail that slides over your own. Unlike your natural claw, your Nano Nail will let you navigate with ease. You can expect to see Nano Nails on the shelves soon, selling for $10.

When is the last time you washed those gloves?

Your winter gloves have probably been getting a real workout lately – but when is the last time you washed those?

Just think of all the germs that slide in and out of there and the dead skin cells that have accumulated. A lot of us also cram those damp gloves into a dark spot like a pocket or closet which only encourages mildew.

In order to clean your mittens or gloves, you’ll need to check the tag. Many synthetic or cotton types can be tossed into the laundry and air dried. For leather gloves it can be trickier. Most will recommend using saddle soap or a conditioning soap and washing them while on your hands to prevent shrinkage.  

What’s the single worst thing you can do to your car?

When is the last time you had your oil changed?

According to the experts at CarMD.com, putting that off is the single worst thing you can do to your car. In our new high-tech engines, dirty oil can lead to engine failure if left in there too long. Here are the other worst auto offenses:

• Putting off recommended / scheduled maintenance 

• Ignoring the “check engine” light

• Not checking tire pressure

• Neglecting coolant, brake, transmission and other fluid services

• Continuing to drive when the vehicle is overheating

• Not changing fuel and air filters

• Having unqualified shops service your vehicle

• Trying to service your own high-tech vehicle

Some foods can really enhance the quality of your sleep. The best bedtime snacks...

If you’d like to doze off a little easier tonight – have a banana...

This sleeping pill in a peel has got melatonin, serotonin and can act as a muscle relaxant. Here are some more edible sleep aids:

• Chamomile tea. This blend of tea has a mild sedating effect. 

• Warm milk. It’s true – the calcium in there helps the brain relax. 

• Honey. Drizzle a little in your warm milk or chamomile tea for a double dose of doze.

• Oatmeal. Oats can help to encourage sleep and a warm bowl will be satisfying – especially if you add some warm milk and honey and maybe even a sliced banana.

If you’re the one in the room that’s always cold – that could be a problem...

If you seem to get colder faster than everyone else, that could be cause for concern...

Here are some common ailments that can mess with your internal thermostat:

• Your thyroid: If it’s underactive, you may feel chilly a lot. Tell your doctor and ask for a test.

• Iron: If your levels are low, you may feel cold and even tired. Supplements and diet can make a big difference.

• Sleep: If you’re sleep deprived, your nervous system won’t be able to regulate body temperature the way it should.

• Circulation: Achy, itchy or numb hands and feet could indicate Raynaud’s Disease which limits circulation to the extremities. You’ll need to let your doctor know.

If you’d like to burn some calories the fun way – kiss someone!

How many calories does one kiss burn? Anywhere from 2 to 6 – per minute...

Kiss for a half hour and you’ve burned up to 180 calories. While you’re kissing away the calories, you’ll also be boosting your immune system, assuming your kissing partner doesn’t have the cooties.

If you need some more motivation to kiss someone, consider this: Men who kiss their wives goodbye are less likely to get in a car accident on the way to work. Kissing also reduces stress, improves mood and can actually help keep you looking younger. Deep kissing helps to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.

Could praying for good grades really work? Yes!

Hey kids - if you'd like better grades on that next report card, keep studying and start praying...

A recent study has found that teenagers who attend religious services of any faith on a regular basis are 40% more likely to graduate high school. Researchers from the University of North Carolina looked at 10,000 students and found that those with religious routine were also happier, more confident and more likely to avoid crime and deliquency.

The number of flu cases seems to be dropping – but there’s another virus on the rise...

Even if you managed to avoid the flu this season, the new norovirus could be lurking...

The CDC is reporting that this new strain of the nasty stomach bug is on the prowl and accounted for 58% of last month’s stomach flu cases. It’s a nasty one and hits fast and hard. Out of nowhere you can be struck with all of the unpleasantries associated with the stomach flu. If it catches you, expect to be miserable for a few days and get used to hanging out in the bathroom. It’s super-contagious and it may be hard to protect your family if one person gets it. 

Your best defense against the norovirus is constant hand washing. Avoid cooking for other people if you have had it because you’ll stay contagious even after you’re feeling better. Experts say this disgusting bug is peaking right about now and will hopefully be on its way out of here over the next few weeks.

If you heard there may be a shortage of chicken wings for the Super Bowl – relax...

If you’re worried about finding chicken wings due to the predicted pre-game shortage - don’t...

Contrary to recent reports of a wing shortage, some experts are assuring us there will be plenty of wings to go around. While it’s true that the National Chicken Council says there were fewer fowl this year due to drought, supply and demand will most likely even things out.

Tim Petry, a livestock economist at North Dakota State University, says it’s simple economics. Prices go up a bit when there’s an industry shortage. When the price of wings take flight, demand starts to drop. He says the bottom line is, if you really want wings, there are still plenty of them out there – you might just pay a little more for them. 

If you’re tempted to download that app to protect you against skin cancer – don’t bother...

There are a lot of handy apps out there for all sorts of uses – detecting skin cancer isn’t one of them...

Although there are several popular smartphone apps that promise to provide feedback regarding your risk, dermatology experts aren’t convinced they are helping at all. As a matter of fact, they could actually be harmful to your health.

In most cases, these apps prompt you to take photos of any skin lesions and then submit them for analysis. Of the apps tested, none of them were accurate enough to offer you any protection. Overall, they incorrectly classified 30% of melanoma legions as benign.

Is your boss a pain in the neck? How to deal with that...

Most of us have worked for a difficult boss at one time or another...

If that time is now for you, here is some advice from Lynn Taylor, author of “Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant:”

• The Micromanager: Try to take the extra attention as a compliment. Over-communicating with regular status reports may help to keep this boss off your back a bit.

• The Hands-Off Supervisor: Lack of guidance can set you both up for a fall. Insist on setting up a regular meeting to discuss projects and priorities.

• The Workaholic: Try not to let their lack of a life rob you of yours. If your boss barrages you with business after hours, respond with a plan to handle that during office hours.

• The Shouter: The best approach is to keep your own volume in check, or even lower it. Lack of reaction can be very effective with someone who’s overdoing it.

• The Manipulator: Dealing with a weasel can be worrisome. You’ll need to get in the habit of documenting as much of your communication as possible. Email is almost always the preferred method here. And don’t forget to cc the appropriate players.

We could all use a little extra vitamin D in the dead of winter. Some delicious D options...

If you’re suffering from cabin fever or the winter blues, you could probably use an extra dose of vitamin D...

With shorter days and more time spent indoors, the precious D we get from the sun can be in big demand right about now. Supplements are one option – but why not get some vitamin D the old fashioned way. Here are some tasty options:

• Salmon: Farmed salmon is fine but wild salmon has four times as much D.

• Eggs: The D is in the yolk.

• Coconut milk: It’s often fortified with D for a double dose of summer.

• Flounder: It’s a delicious white fish with about ¼ of your daily D.

• Mushrooms: The D content varies by variety. Shitake mushrooms are a good pick.

• Orange Juice: Check the label. Fortified orange juice can give you 34 percent of your D. 

• Sardines: Throw a few on your pizza or salad. Just two of these little guys deliver the D.

If you won’t be near a big screen for the Super Bowl – there’s an app for that...

What’s the next best thing to being there at the Super Bowl?

A big screen of course. The next best thing after that would be streaming it live on your desktop, laptop or tablet. For those who don’t have access to big screens or medium screens – the really small screen could be an option. There’s a streaming app this year for the Super Bowl but you’ll need Verizon to load the exclusive NFL app. 

Even if you do have the big screen, streaming online does come with some extra perks. You’ll get immediate access to the commercials and will be able to watch the really funny ones over and over again. You’ll also be able to view the game from the “All-22” 50-yard line camera or check out the “Fan Choice” view determined by online watchers.

If watching the game isn’t your thing – you could always tweet about it. You might want to follow some of the designated SuperBowl celebrity tweeters like Sharon Osbourne and LL Cool J.

Describe your profile picture on Facebook. Now let’s see if it fits into one of the 10 most common categories...

You may have put a lot of thought into choosing the perfect profile shot on Facebook...

Chances are, a lot of other people had the exact same thought. Here are the most common profile shot categories:

• The red white and blue cartoon portrait: It’s not very original – but it speaks volumes.

• The “I’ve got a Mac” Warhol shot. It’s one of the first features new Mac owners play with and the four-color Warhol inspired profile picture is one of the most common ones out there.

• The “I’m a photographer” photo. Many real and wannabe photographers opt for the shot of them taking a shot of of you. Clever.

• The “last name sign” shot. What a coincidence – a sign with your last name on it. Might as well take a picture and post it. 

• The “I’m on a boat or a plane” shot. By the time everyone sees it, your ride will be over.

• The “tourist landmark” photo. By the time everyone see it, you’ll be back on the boat or the plane.

• The “change the world” shot. Go ahead - change your photo to the person or cause you support. You can afford to lose a few friends.

• The “me as a baby” photo. It may not be original – but it’s cute. These shots often get the most likes and comments.

• The “professional headshot” shot. It's probably outdated – but at least your friends will have a good laugh.

• The “I’m going to regret this tomorrow” shot. These are often quite original – but usually don’t stay up for too long.

If you know someone who is chronically late – have some pity. What’s really going on with them...

Dealing with people who are chronically late can be maddening – but it might not be their fault...

Diana DeLonzor, author of “Never Be Late Again,” says her lateness cost her friendships and damaged personal and professional relationships. She hated being late but she just couldn’t help it. 

Diana says punctual people often perceive the late types to be controlling, selfish or inconsiderate – but there’s a lot more to it than that. Chronically late people are often dealing with a lot of underlying issues. Some have trouble with self-control, procrastination, anxiety or attention disorders. 

Diana says don’t give up on the eternally tardy. If it’s someone you really care about or depend on, help them change their ways. If you’re tempted to try the half hour earlier trick – don’t bother. They will catch on. Have an honest discussion with them when they do finally show up and try setting some challenges. Offer to pick up the tab if they’re on time. If they’re late – they pay.  

Does a doctor’s bedside manner really matter?

Who cares about bedside manner as long as he or she is a good doctor?

YOU should care. A new study rated doctors on an empathy scale by measuring how much they felt a patient’s understanding and emotion played a role in their treatment. Patients of doctors who scored high on the empathy scale experienced 41% fewer complications than those with less compassionate physicians.

The theory behind the contrast in care is all about communication. Patients are much more likely to trust a doctor who sincerely cares. Doctors who don’t encourage their patients to speak openly, or look beyond the issue at hand, will likely miss behavior and symptoms that could reveal important diagnostic clues. 

Making a good impression starts BEFORE the handshake. The moment that matters more...

What’s the first step to making a good impression on someone?

If you wait until the handshake – you’ve missed it. Joe Navarro, former FBI agent and author of “What Every Body is Saying,” says we humans start to influence each other from a distance. That distance could be across a parking lot, down a hallway or at the door just a few feet away – but you’ll need to make the most of it. 

In the business world, there’s a good chance you’ll be spotted before you make contact or conversation. It’s important to keep that in mind, especially if you’re arrival is anticipated. Personal grooming and other unflattering body language could wind up making a bigger impression on spying eyes than that firm handshake or professional introduction.

How do you dress your salad or scramble an egg? Advice from a physicist...

The next time you’ll be serving salad, don’t drizzle the dressing over the top...

According Nathan Myhrvold, physicist and author of “Modernist Cuisine at Home,” you really need to put the dressing in the bottom of the bowl and THEN add the salad. Give the greens a toss and you’ll wind up with a thin, even coating. Nathan says lettuce will become oversaturated quickly if the dressing is poured over the top.

So how does a physicist scramble eggs? Nathan says there’s a science to that too. He suggests using the two-and-a-half ratio – two whole eggs and just the yolk of the third. Your eggs will be richer and creamier with a softer texture.  

Do you rinse your mouth after you brush? Why that's a bad idea...

If you rinse your mouth out with water after you brush your teeth – you’re doing it all wrong...

Dr. Phil Stemmer, from the Fresh Breath Center in London, says rinsing washes away the protective fluoride coating you just applied. The best routine is to drink a glass of water before you brush. Avoid using too much toothpaste on your brush and when you’re done, step away from the sink.

After you skip that post-brush rinse a few times, you should start to get used to it. If it just feels wrong, try rinsing with a fluoride rinse instead of water. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating or drinking anything for a half hour.

You may be eating healthier than you think. The 20 best foods out there...

Good news! A healthy diet isn’t all fruits and vegetables...

Some of our favorite stuff is on the Healthiest Food List. Here are the top 20 from Real Simple Magazine:

• Mushrooms 

• Walnuts

• Peanut Butter

• Almonds

• Blueberries

• Eggs

• Spinach

• Salmon

• Chicken

• Avocados

• Sweet potatoes

• Edamame

• Oranges

• Broccoli

• Black Beans

• Greek Yogurt

• Pumpkin

• Kale

• Kiwi

• Sardines

• Lentils

• Oatmeal

• Whole Grain Pasta

Are you harboring guilt or anger? You’d better let that go – or else!

If you find it difficult to keep your cool or ease your guilty conscience, let it go...

A new study is suggesting that anger and other negative emotions could trigger a stroke. Researchers interviewed stroke victims one to four days after the stroke. They were asked to identify several potential triggers they had experienced prior to the event, including diet, physical exertion and negative emotions. A startling 30% of the participants reported experiencing guilt, anger, irritability or hostility two hours before their stroke. This study concluded that experiencing rage, fury or guilt could increase the risk of stroke by as much as 14 times.

Few things are immune to becoming an app – and the flu is no exception. How to catch it...

If you’d rather not get the flu – you might want to get the app instead...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designed a flu app. It was intended for health care providers, but we can download it too. It’s got vaccination recommendations, diagnostic tools and all the flu news that’s fit to tap.

The CDC isn’t the only one getting in on the flu action. Here are some other apps that flu freaks might enjoy:

• FluFACTS: This one gives you email alerts when flu activity in your area is on the rise.

• Flu Near You: Enter your zip code and you can track local flu outbreaks. It even has a vaccine finder.

• Help I Have the Flu: This one is a Facebook app that lets you publicly blame the friend that gave you the flu.

A new warning is being issued for overweight people: Drive at your own risk...

People who are significantly overweight have yet another risk to consider...

They are more likely to die in a car accident than drivers of a healthy weight. The added risk has to do with the seatbelt. Heavier people are propelled further forward in a collision because the soft abdominal tissue prevents the belt from tightening immediately. The driving danger would apply to heavy passengers as well.

Industry engineers are looking at possible safety features and seatbelt designs that could be added to better protect overweight drivers and passengers.

Oh no – they’re changing the Monopoly game. Which token will be knocked out of play...

What’s your favorite Monopoly token?

One of the 8 classic metal markers is getting the old heave-ho from Hasbro. If you’d like to make a case for your favorite, you have until February 5th to vote for it on a special Monopoly Facebook page. In the current classic lineup are: the shoe, top hat, wheelbarrow, clothes iron, battleship, race car, thimble and Scottie dog. 

Hasbro has decided that the game could use some more modern bling. In consideration for the replacement token are: a diamond ring, guitar, toy robot, cat or helicopter. You can check those out and vote for your pick on the Facebook page. 

If you think children are exposed to too much violence these days – wait until you hear about the olden days...

Many modern-day parents go to great lengths to shield their children from fictional violence...

In the olden days, some parents did just the opposite. Scary children’s stories have been around for a long time and were intended to teach us some lessons. Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel had to learn the hard way – and they weren’t alone. Get a load of these other terrifying tales intended to teach kids a thing or two, the old fashioned way:

• When “Little Suck-A-Thumb” wouldn’t stop, he had both of his thumbs cut off with a giant pair of scissors by the local tailor in 1876. This gem was written by German psychiatrist Heinrich Hoffmann.

• In “The Cry Baby,” a mother cautions her daughter not to cry so much but the girl doesn’t listen—and literally cries her eyes out.

• You may be able to predict how “The Dreadful Story of the Matches” turns out. The little girl who plays with matches sets herself ablaze.

• No happy ending for “Flying Robert.” When the little boy ventures outside in a storm, a gust of wind takes Robert far, far away – presumably to his doom.

Did you know that dogs shouldn’t eat dairy? What NOT to let your dog eat or drink...

Most dog owners know to keep chocolate out of paw's reach...

...but there are some other common foods on the no-eat list:

• Avocado: They contain a substance called persin which can be toxic for dogs.

• Alcohol: Most dogs LOVE to lap up beer but all liquor needs to be out of reach. Just a little can cause digestion problems and even damage to the nervous system.

• Onions and garlic: Raw, powdered or cooked, they’re super toxic for dogs. 

• Coffee and tea. Caffeine poisoning in dogs is more common than you may think. Symptoms involve rapid breathing, heart palpatations and even death. Other dangerous sources of caffeine are beans and grounds, cocoa, colas, energy drinks and certain medicines.

• Grapes and Raisins: Just a small amount can make a dog ill and cause damage to the kidneys.

• Milk and other dairy: They can lead to diarrhea, itching and set off other allergies.

• Raw eggs: They have an enzyme that can result in problems with your dog’s coat or skin.

Feeling sad or grumpy? Do us all a favor and have some salad...

How about a happy meal? 

A recent study found that people with higher levels of plant compounds in their system had a better attitude and were feeling more optimistic. Carotenoids were the happy compounds and the easiest way to get a healthy dose of those is through orange fruits and vegetables and green, leafy produce. Filling up on vegetation will also boost your levels of anti-oxidants, which can help to relieve stress and cheer you up a bit. 

If you’d like to eat some optimism, you might need more than one salad to get the full effect. The researchers found that people who had seven portions of fruits and vegetables a day were the happiest of all.

Your body language could speak louder than your resume. Interview moves to avoid...

Making a good impression on a job interview goes beyond a firm handshake...

Your body language could make or break your success in a competitive job market. Here are some moves to avoid:

• Sit up straight – but not too straight. Don’t slouch either. Your goal is to look poised and comfortable, not rigid or insecure.

• Stop touching your face and hair! A lot of us do it without realizing it. It can suggest that you’re uncomfortable. Experienced interviewers watch for these moves.

• Tell your legs to stay still. Jiggling legs send a message that you’re anxious and can’t wait to get out.

• Don’t cross your arms. That suggests your closed minded, defensive or bored.

• Eye contact is good – staring is not. 60% eye contact is ideal. If there are other people in the room, remember to share some with them. And don’t forget to blink.

• Tell your hands to shut up. If you naturally talk with your hands, a little is okay. Just be sure to keep the gestures low, below the collarbone. 

• Skip the bobble head. Avoid nodding through the whole interview. Nodding in agreement should be saved for sincere moments. 

Are nearsighted people really smarter than the rest of us?

If your vision stinks – look at the bright side. You’re smarter than those 20/20 people...

Several studies have supported the theory that nearsighted people outsmart others on intelligence tests. New research from Copenhagen University has discovered the more vision correction the subject needed, the higher they scored on the IQ test.

This near-sighted smarts phenomenon is now being linked to what is called “near-work.” Infants and children who need to get close up to examine their world tend to absorb and retain more information, which helps to explain their higher scores and level of education completed.

Be careful at work today – you’ll be surrounded by hazards...

A lot of us work in very dangerous environments...

Even if there are no mine shafts or deli slicers – you could be at risk. Here are some ordinary office items the Occupational Safety and Health Administration wants you to be careful with:

• File cabinets: They’re heavy metal with sharp corners and need to be placed strategically. Never open more than one drawer at a time.

• Scissors: Don’t run with them – and don’t walk briskly either. Opening packages with them is the number one cause of injury.

• Staple remover: Most of us are using them all wrong. The directions insist you first loosen the staple from behind and then pull it out from the front. Breaking the rules could result in a nasty paper cut.

• Your chair: In order to prevent back injury, OSHA advises that your feet should rest flat on the floor, your thighs should be parallel to the ground and the seat front should not press against the back of your knees or lower legs. Leaning way back or maneuvering around the office on wheels is also a no-no.

• The copy machine: They can emit excessive light that can be harmful to the eyes. They also need to be in a well-ventilated area. If your desk is close to one, you’re at risk of exposure to toxic indoor air pollution.

• The paper shredder: The most common mishaps involve hair, ties and necklaces.

While maneuvering through the office maze of open file cabinets, rolling chairs, past the blades and pollution with a hot cup of coffee in hand, beware of the killer cords. According to OSHA, slips, trips and falls -- many which are caused by tangled cords and clutter -- constitute the majority of general industry accidents, as well as 15 percent of all accidental job-related deaths.

Mom was right. Eat your bread crust! What’s so great about it...

If you’re one of those picky eaters who cuts or tears the crust off your bread – you’re missing out...  

Ask any food scientists – or grandma – and they’ll tell you you’re skipping the best part. Bread crust is a good source of antioxidants and dietary fiber which can help to combat cancer.

You can get even more of that crusty goodness when you toast your bread. Just be sure you select the lightly toasted option. Overly browning or burning the toast has the opposite effect and can bake in cancer-creating carcinogens

Check the mirror ladies. Which features deem you beautiful...

What makes a woman beautiful to a man, cosmetically speaking?

Although we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, we humans do – and so do a lot of animals. It’s called sexual dimorphism and it’s the difference between male and female members of the same species. Some obvious examples are a lion’s mane or the plumage on many birds. 

Researchers have determined some feminine human features that tend to attract attention from males. Consider yourself beautiful if you’ve got prominent lips, well-defined cheekbones and a small chin. Men aren’t off the judgment hook either. Large jaws, flaring cheeks and large eyebrows suggest you are one sexually dimorphic guy.

Trying to remember multiple passwords may soon be a thing of the past. What you might be using instead...

Wouldn't it be great if we never had to think about passwords again?

Google is on it. They are in the process of developing a smart chip which would eliminate the need for multiple passwords. The new smart chip would not only make life easier, but would keep our personal data more secure. 

So where will this chip be? One plan is the Yubi-key. Insert that into any computer and you’re in, no password required. What if you lose that key? They’ve thought of that too. Another option under consideration is an embedded finger ring which would give you access on any device with just one tap.